IT Glossary: computer jargon explained Q - T

RAID
Redundant Array of Independent Discs. This is a method for storing data across more than one hard disc in such a way to provide some protection against and recovery from the failure of one of those discs.

RAM
Random Access Memory. This is the computer’s main memory for holding current, working data. The contents of RAM are lost when the computer is switched off. Adding more RAM is a common way of improving the performance of a computer.

ROM
Read Only Memory. This is memory whose contents cannot be changed.  The content of ROM is not lost when the power is removed. Inside your computer ROM is used to hold initial startup and test programs that enable the computer to load an Operating System.

Router
A device used to connect computers together in a network. This is similar in concept to a hub but is more flexible and powerful.

SATA
Serial ATA. A standard for connecting hard disc drives to a computer that allows faster data transfer rates than the older IDE standard. SATA also allows more separate disc drives to be connected to the same single disc controller.

SDSL
Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line. This is similar to ADSL except that it offers the same upload and download speeds.

Secure Website
A web site on the internet that has been securely protected in order to make it safe to make online purchases. The security methods used ensure that any bank details cannot be intercepted by hackers. A secure website will show a small padlock symbol within your browser.

Server
A computer at the centre of a network which provides files and other services to the other computers. Also known as a file server.

SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. A set of rules for sending and receiving email, mostly used just for sending email.

Software
A collective name for all of the programs that run on a computer. Without software your hardware, i.e. the computer, printer, scanner etc., would be unable to function.

Spam
This is “junk email” that is delivered to you without your consent. Also known as Unsolicited Commercial Mail (UCE) or Unsolicited Bulk Email (UBE). For most people spam is just a nuisance but in severe cases it can swamp and email system and result in a total loss of email service.

Spyware
A program that “spies” on what you are doing on your computer (e.g. recording the websites you visit or keys you press) and then possibly reports these activities to advertisers or other interested parties. Spyware is potentially more dangerous than Adware because it could record your passwords and other confidential information. Also known as key logger, PC surveillance, PC recorder, PC monitoring.

Strong Password
A strong password is one that is not obvious (i.e. not easy to guess) and that contains upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Strong passwords are essential in securing a system against unauthorised access. To create a strong password use the following guidelines

Use at least 8 characters
Include one number
Use both upper and lower case characters
Include a non-alphanumeric character like  ! & $ or @

Thin Client
A computer that relies entirely on a server to provide most of it’s functionality and may itself only be capable of the simplest of tasks. Such a computer may not even have it’s own hard disc, relying on the server to start programs and save files.

Trojan Horse
This a virus that is disguised as a helpful program to entice users to download and install it. A Trojan horse may disguise itself as a device driver or a video codec, which the user is invited to install in order to make some other program work correctly. Once installed the virus is then able to infiltrate the computer.

TWAIN
Technology Without An Important Name. This is a protocol for exchanging data between programs and devices such as scanners and digital cameras.